Cody Rhodes to be stripped of WWE title by Nick Aldis & replaced by long-time rival? Exploring potential twist for The American Nightmare
The Undisputed WWE Championship is set to be on the line at SummerSlam as Cody Rhodes will defend it against Solo Sikoa. However, a major roadblock in the path of The American Nightmare can prevent him from even reaching The Biggest Party of the Summer.
The Solo Sikoa-led Bloodline has been on a rampage on SmackDown for the past few weeks. It has already taken out Randy Orton and Kevin Owens. Next on its list will be Cody Rhodes. The faction may unleash its brutality on Rhodes on SmackDown, injuring him during the first segment of the show. This can lead to Nick Aldis replacing The American Nightmare with Roman Reigns.
The SmackDown general manager and Cody Rhodes may be informed by the medical team that the latter has sustained serious injuries that would take months to heal. Hence, he may not be cleared to compete at SummerSlam. Despite this news, Rhodes may remain adamant about defending his title, leaving Aldis no option but to strip him of the championship so he can take time off to heal.
While Sikoa starts celebrating, thinking that he will be handed the title, Aldis may inform him that he has a backup plan in place. The National Treasure can then make a call to The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns and set up Reigns vs. Sikoa for the vacant Undisputed WWE Title at SummerSlam.
Legend comments on Cody Rhodes' injury in 2022
On his Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast this past week, the former WWE manager claimed that Rhodes' injury in 2022 was a blessing in disguise. He explained that Vince McMahon was still in charge when The American Nightmare returned, and there was no telling how he would book him.
Mantell felt that Rhodes had been booked amazingly under the new regime.
"Look at Cody getting hurt. He got hurt at a time when he needed to be out of sight because Vince [McMahon] was still in the picture. And no telling what Vince would have done to him. So, I think he got hurt at an opportune time that he needed to be out of the picture, and then when Vince faded, Cody comes back in and it's all been wine and roses since then."
Rhodes returned to WWE at WrestleMania 38 and faced Seth Rollins thrice before taking time off because of a torn pectoral tendon. He returned at Royal Rumble 2023 and went on to win the titular match before facing Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39.